by Shawn Nowlin
Universally acclaimed musician Rick Ross once said in a song “they say we are a bunch of thugs, don’t stand for nothing, disgrace to our race, don’t belong in public, through it all I always told myself that we will make it.” Track #3 from Rick’s 2015 project “Black Dollar” essentially tells the story of a group of local musicians who had to overcome many obstacles to get where they are today. The journey musical group Edge of Daybreak (EOD) endured from serving time behind bars to creating powerful music is a story of perseverance, faith and perspective. Original members: Roanoke native Jamal Nubi (lead vocals), Cornelius Wade (guitar), James Carrington (keyboard), Harry Coleman (vocals) and deceased McEvoy Robinson (bass) first met while they were inmates at Powhatan Prison Complex located about 30 miles west of Richmond (VA).
They bonded over music and constantly bounced ideas off each other. They knew they were talented individually but collectively felt they could reach great heights. By covering classic songs from musicians such as SLAVE and The Isley Brothers, Edge of Daybreak honed their skills with repetition. “I ended up at Powhatan on a robbery charge and quickly formed a group called Cosmic Conception then came Edge once we got some new members” said Jamal Nubi. “We went through a lot…Maurice White is a cat (performer) that has really inspired me over the years.”
On September 14, 1979, prison supervisors gave the group five hours for an eight song recording session. They made the most of it and never looked back. What came from that opportunity was Eyes of Love that has a little something most music fans can really appreciate. Milton Hogue, owner of Bohannon’s Records and Tapes, was vital in assisting EOD along the way.
“Our bodies are in prison but we want our minds and hearts to be with the free world … and Edge of Daybreak symbolizes the morning when each of the band members will be free,” are quotes printed on their original LP jacket. All six members were released shortly after the album came out in ‘79. The decision to turn to music allowed the members to start a new chapter in their lives. Opportunities breed confidence and with that confidence the aforementioned gentlemen took full advantage.
Some who don’t know their story, may wonder how a band of ex-offenders could make such solid music. The beauty about music is no matter what one goes on in life art can provide an outlet through which emotions may be channeled. Aware of this, EOD members are at times completely revelatory with their art. It’s not a stretch to conjure up thoughts of Smokey Robinson, The Jackson 5, Earth Wind and Fire and Minnie Ripperton when listening to Eyes of Love.
Perseverance and passion remain the core elements behind the group as they continue making music over three decades after recording their first record. According to Jamal the band will be performing live this upcoming week at Steady Sounds, 322 West Broad St., Richmond (VA).
